I love when #Holidays can be a #teachingmoment for my family. Which is what October 15 National Cheese Curd Day #CheeseCurdDay being for my family. Because none of us knew what a Cheese Curd was. Do you know what a Cheese Curd is? Have you had one?
Join me family on October 15th celebrate National Cheese Curd Day, a celebration of those squeaky, salty, bite-sized nuggets of dairy delight! Whether you’re a fan of Cheese Curds fresh, fried, or dipped in sauce, cheese curds are a beloved snack across the Midwest and beyond.
Here are a few fun ways people celebrate #CheeseCurdDay:
- Fried cheese curd feasts at local restaurants and fairs
- Social media shoutouts with cheesy selfies and curd-themed memes
- Special promotions from cheese producers and fast food chains (like Culver’s, which helped launch the holiday in 2015)
- DIY cheese curd recipes for adventurous home cooks
If you missed National Cheese Curd Day this year, no worries—cheese curds are delicious year-round. Here is a recipe for you to make Cheese Curds for your family or I’ve included places in DFW you can get Cheese Curds at.
Recipe for Homemade Cheese Curds
Ingredients:
1-gallon whole milk (not ultra-pasteurized)
1/4 tsp mesophilic starter culture (like MA4001 or MA4002)
1/4 tsp liquid rennet (or as directed on package)
1/4 tsp calcium chloride (optional, improves curd formation)
1 tsp cheese salt (non-iodized)
Cool, chlorine-free water (for diluting rennet and calcium chloride)
Supplies:
Cheesecloth and colander
Instructions:
Warm the Milk Heat milk slowly to 90°F (32°C), stirring gently.
Add Culture Sprinkle mesophilic culture over the surface. Let it rehydrate for 1 minute, then stir in gently.
Add Calcium Chloride (if using) Dilute in 1/4 cup cool water and stir into milk.
Add Rennet Dilute rennet in 1/4 cup cool water. Stir into milk with an up-and-down motion for 1 minute. Let sit undisturbed for 30–45 minutes until a firm curd forms.
Cut the Curd Cut curd into 1/2-inch cubes. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Cook the Curd Slowly heat to 102°F (39°C) over 30 minutes, stirring gently. Hold at 102°F for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain the Whey Pour curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Let drain for 5–10 minutes.
Salt and Press Sprinkle salt over curds and mix gently. Let curds rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb salt and firm up.
Enjoy! Eat fresh or refrigerate for up to a week. For the classic squeaky texture, enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Would you like a variation for deep-fried cheese curds or flavored ones like garlic or dill?
Here are some great spots near North Richland Hills, TX where you can find cheese curds or dishes featuring them:
Nickel City: A laid-back pub in Fort Worth known for generous sliders, hot dogs, wings, and tater tots. Cheese curds often make an appearance on menus like this.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews: This Fort Worth favorite serves up creative burgers and brews—cheese curds are a popular appetizer here.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Located in Hurst, BJ’s offers classic pub fare and house-brewed beers. Cheese curds are a common starter at BJ’s locations.
Jakes Burgers and Beer: A lively burger joint in Fort Worth that’s known for its fried snacks and casual vibe—perfect for cheese curd cravings.
The Tipsy Oak: Arlington’s upbeat spot for burgers and cocktails. Their finger food menu may include cheese curds or similar bites.
Neighbor’s House: A Fort Worth grocery and eatery that might carry cheese curds or local dairy products.
Thirsty Lion: Euless-based restaurant with a global menu. Cheese curds could be featured among their appetizers.
Prolific Butcher Shop: Located in Watauga, this highly rated butcher shop may carry fresh cheese curds or be able to order them for you.
Let me know if you’d like help finding online retailers or farmers markets that sell cheese curds by leaving me a comment below and I will get to work on what you’re looking for.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
